Carnation
Dianthus caryophyllus
- Native to:
- Albania, Greece, NW. Balkan Pen.
Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Caryophyllaceae
- Genus:
- Dianthus
- Species:
- Dianthus caryophyllus
- USDA Symbol:
- DICA26
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 80 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun,jul,aug,sep
- Bloom Colors:
- pink, red, white, purple, yellow
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★★☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
black-shaded platynota (Platynota flavedana), Cabbage looper (Trichoplusia ni), corn earworm (Helicoverpa zea), Isabella tiger moth (Pyrrharctia isabella), Obliquebanded leafroller (Choristoneura rosaceana), Omnivorous Leafroller (Platynota stultana), orange tortrix moth (Argyrotaenia citrana), stalk borer moth (Papaipema nebris), Variegated cutworm (Peridroma saucia)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- butterflies, bees
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fragrant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to Mediterranean regions; prefers calcareous soils
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 14–21 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate best at 15-20°C. Light is not required but consistent moisture aids germination.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20C. Germinates within 3 months. Requires darkness.